Meet Dana Danielson | Personal Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dana Danielson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dana, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always dreamed of owning and operating something of my own. Something I put all my blood, sweat and tears into. I also was searching for something in my career that could allow me to still grow, be creative, challenge me but also give me freedom to focus on my personal goals outside of a job. I eventually want to marry and have kids so working for myself, creating my own schedule has been appealing to me. This path I choose gives me the opportunity to still do what I love, provide hospitality and cook amazing food for people, but also allow me time to enjoy my other hobbies, as well as spend time with family and friends.

What should our readers know about your business?
My company is called Alpine Culinary. I am a personal chef providing private dining, meal preparation, boutique catering, cooking classes and more. Currently all my services are in-home services, where I prepare, cook and serve in my clients home or rental. I have cooked for elopements, micro weddings, baby showers, bachelorette/bachelor parties, birthdays, anniversaries, retreats and many more special occasions.

My passion for food sprouted in a small mountain town by the name of Pagosa Springs, CO which later blossomed into an abundant journey as I made my way to Denver to begin a three-year culinary arts apprenticeship. It has been my mission to experience every path the industry provided me. Trekking along paths to catering, independent restaurants, personal chef services, fine dining and more. Let me tell you, it was the hardest, most fulfilling hike I’ve ever experienced. Leading talented cooks as a Sous Chef, amongst multiple restaurants, including Sunday Vinyl in Denver and Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder. All the experience I gained and people I’ve met along the way gave me the drive to climb that mountain and create something of my own. The name, Alpine Culinary, was inspired by my two passions coming together in harmony, the beautiful mountains and the art of cooking. My food is influenced by highlighting what nature can provide us. I like to focus on rustic, yet elegant. Simple yet flavorful.

I love the constant discovery, the endless creativity, cultural influences, and wild journey that is the culinary industry. My menus are a representation of my influences throughout my career as well as my own healthy and active lifestyle. Not only focusing on Colorado and what is locally provided, but also the European and southwestern flavors I was surrounded by within my career. Developing my style as a chef in last 13 years has been such a fulfilling journey.

This next year especially, I am working towards using as many locally provided ingredients as I can. I want to develop more relationships with local farmers and ranchers. I very excited to grow my concept further. Eventually, as a side project, I want to be able to sell at the local farmers markets, healthful vegan backpacking meals that have the option of adding in a protein. I also would love to cook for more outdoor events, camp cookouts, retreats and backpacking elopements and micro weddings!

Building my company was no easy task. I was fortunate to have a lot of friends and family by my side and providing incredible advice and encouragement along the way. My partner Kody has been my rock through this entire project, and I am so thankful for him! I am very excited for the progress my business has made and the direction things are going. I have been very lucky to have such incredible clients as well!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
With my transition down to Colorado Springs, I have spent a lot more time outdoors. If my best friend were visiting, we’d definitely be either taking a hike somewhere around Manitou Springs or Woodland Park, paddleboarding at one of the local lakes, maybe rock climbing at either Garden of the Gods, Red Rocks or our local climbing gym CityRock. I may even drag her to the archery range to shoot recurve bows with me so we could embrace our inner fantasy book nerd. As far as food, 503W has become a favorite, or we’d adventure down OCC main street and find a nice coffee shop or brewery to relax at. My partner and I have started swing dancing on Wednesday nights with some friends. So, if she stayed later in the evening, and I was able to convince her, I’d drag her down to The Loft in Old Colorado City for some swing dance lessons.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people who have supported me along the way. My mom, dad and brother of course, my best friend Lark and my partner Kody have been the biggest supporters during my journey. I appreciate all the encouragement and motivation they have given me.

Website: https://www.alpineculinary.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alpine_culinary/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-danielson-60396915b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089370137344

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/alpine-culinary-colorado-springs-2?osq=alpine+culinary&override_cta=Get+pricing+%26+availability